June 27, 2021

"Ghana is the most religious country in the world," Elder Hugo Martinez, the Area President in West Africa told us after church as he welcomed us to the Area. 

On Sunday the streets are filled with people dressed in their finest walking as families, often dressed in coordinating colors and the little girls in matching dresses. There is an excitment, but also a reverent feeling in the air. As we drove to the Teshie Gathering Place Launch the tro tro (public minivan transportaion) in front of us had Isaiah 58:13-14 written on its back window. When we looked up the scripture, we saw that it is the Sabbath is a delight scripture that President Nelson quotes in his three prong Sabbath talk: a sign, keep unspotted, and a delight. I wonder if the tro tro driver knew he was in line with the Prophet when he painted that on his rear window!

At the Launch the stake president gave an impassioned talk to the YSA in attendance. He thanked two YSA couple missionaries, the Lingrens and  Westons, for their work, preparation, and their strength. He told the YSA that a marvelous work was about to happen among those their age, to cheer up and be hopeful! He told them that Gathering Places will break barriers to opportunities. He ended with the Bible story of Gideon’s army by asking the YSA, "Who is afraid of the battle? You are few. Water your palms, blow your trumpets, fight the Lord's battle."

We are inspried by the faith and devotion of these great people in West Africa! They love the Lord and know the teachings of the Gospel.